This July, at the Third China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE 2025) in Beijing, global business leaders called for stronger, more resilient supply chains powered by open markets and tech-driven innovation. Behind the scenes, another story was unfolding: a surge of foreign capital into the Chinese mainland's AI startup scene.
After a period of cooling, 2025 has seen international investors return to early-stage ventures in the Chinese mainland's artificial intelligence sector. A blend of strategic policy backing, cutting-edge breakthroughs and vast commercial prospects is fueling this renewed confidence.
At the core of this momentum is the Chinese government's multi-faceted push to make AI a pillar of economic growth. The launch of the 60 billion yuan National AI Industry Investment Fund earlier this year signaled strong financial support for promising startups and a commitment to long-term technological self-reliance. Meanwhile, regional authorities have rolled out tailored incentives – ranging from tax breaks to research grants – to cultivate local innovation hotspots.
These policy moves are complemented by real-world results. Startups like DeepSeek have earned global attention with advances in large language models and generative AI. Faced with chip restrictions and limited access to some international hardware, developers have doubled down on open-source platforms and architectural efficiency, demonstrating adaptability in the face of challenges.
Beyond R&D wins, the commercial potential of AI applications is drawing investors toward opportunities in healthcare diagnostics, e-commerce personalization, autonomous mobility and fintech solutions. According to Morgan Stanley, the core AI industry in the Chinese mainland could swell to $140 billion by 2030, with adjacent sectors such as logistics, green energy and digital advertising contributing over $1.4 trillion to the national economy.
The flow of foreign capital not only fuels local growth but also paves the way for cross-border partnerships, tech transfers and talent exchanges. For entrepreneurs and global investors alike, the Chinese mainland's AI resurgence offers a glimpse of the next frontier in digital transformation.
As the expo wraps up, all eyes will be on how these investment trends translate into real-world products and services. For the global tech community, there's no shortage of excitement – and opportunity – on the horizon.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
